Strengthening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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strengthening

[หˆstrษ›ล‹ฮธษ™nษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical fitness

The action of making something stronger or more solid, especially muscles or bones.

Synonyms

empowerment, fortification, reinforcement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strengthening

Generally used in a broad range of situations, from personal growth to structural improvement.

  • The exercise helps in the strengthening of muscles.
  • They are focusing on strengthening their financial position.
reinforcement

Often used in contexts where support, aid, or additional resources are provided, such as education, military, or psychological situations.

  • Teachers use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
  • The general called for reinforcement during the battle.
fortification

Typically used in military or defensive contexts, referring to the construction or strengthening of protection against attack.

  • The castle's fortification made it almost impossible to conquer.
  • They spent weeks on the fortification of the base.
empowerment

Best used in contexts related to personal growth, social issues, or organizational development, where there's a focus on increasing confidence, autonomy, or social recognition.

  • The workshop was aimed at the empowerment of women in the community.
  • Employee empowerment is crucial for creating a motivated workplace.

Examples of usage

  • Regular exercise is important for the strengthening of muscles.
  • She underwent physical therapy for the strengthening of her injured knee.
Context #2 | Verb

relationship

The action of making a relationship or bond stronger or more resilient.

Synonyms

bolstering, enhancing, solidifying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strengthening

Used when making something stronger or more powerful, often in a general sense.

  • We are strengthening our team by hiring more experienced players.
  • The government is strengthening its economy through various reforms.
bolstering

Typically used to describe the act of providing support or reinforcement to build confidence or capability.

  • The coach's speech was aimed at bolstering the team's morale.
  • The charity is bolstering its efforts by seeking additional funding.
solidifying

Used to imply making something more firm or stable, often in terms of relationships, agreement, or a position.

  • By working together, they are solidifying their partnership.
  • The new policy is solidifying the company's stance on the issue.
enhancing

Refers to making something better or more effective, often by adding features or improving existing ones.

  • We are enhancing the software to improve user experience.
  • The company is enhancing its services to meet customer needs.

Examples of usage

  • Spending quality time together is essential for strengthening their relationship.
  • Effective communication is key to strengthening trust in a relationship.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Strengthening mental resilience involves methods like positive thinking and mindfulness, helping people cope with stress.
  • Research shows that practicing gratitude can significantly strengthen emotional well-being.
  • Cognitive-behavioral strategies often aim to strengthen thought patterns, leading to more effective decision-making.

Fitness

  • Strengthening exercises can improve bone density and overall physical health, making muscles and joints more resilient.
  • Resistance training is a popular method for strengthening, utilizing weights or resistance bands to build muscle.
  • Cardiovascular activities, while primarily for endurance, also contribute to overall strength by supporting heart health.

Education

  • Strengthening critical thinking skills is essential in education, preparing students to analyze information effectively.
  • Collaborative group work in classrooms can significantly strengthen social skills and peer relationships.
  • Educational programs often emphasize skill reinforcement through practice to strengthen knowledge retention.

Community Development

  • Strengthening community ties encourages collaboration and support among neighborhood members, fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Local organizations initiate programs to strengthen economic stability by providing resources for small businesses.
  • Community service projects can strengthen civic engagement and responsibility among participants.

Origin of 'strengthening'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'strength', meaning power and might, combined with the suffix '-en', which indicates making.
  • In Middle English, variations of the word appeared as 'strenghten', showing its evolution over time.
  • The suffix '-ing' indicates the action of the verb, which turns it into a process, suggesting ongoing improvement.

The word 'strengthening' originates from the Old English word 'strengรพu', meaning 'power, force, or vigor'. Over time, it evolved to 'strengthen', which is used in the context of making something stronger or more solid. The concept of strengthening has been important in various aspects of life, including physical fitness, relationships, and structures.


See also: strengthen, strengthened.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,011 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.